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A dairy farm worker in Yakima County, Washington, has died from bird flu, marking the first such fatality in the United States this year. The worker, who had underlying health conditions, contracted the virus from infected dairy cows, according to CNN. This is the third bird flu-related death in the U.S. since 2024, when the virus was first detected in dairy cattle.
The Yakima County Health District reported the worker's hospitalization on October 31, and the death was confirmed on November 1. Health officials are monitoring other workers and contacts of the deceased to ensure the virus has not spread further. CIDRAP notes that while avian influenza can cause severe illness, the risk to the general public remains low.
Since October 8, 33 dairy herds in Washington have been infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus. The state urges dairy workers to wear protective gear and report any symptoms. Dr. Dave Atteberry, the public health officer for Yakima County, emphasized the importance of monitoring and treating those exposed to the virus. "We’re throwing a large net so that we capture everybody that potentially could be getting exposed," he said, as reported by CNN.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded over 70 human cases of bird flu in the U.S. since 2024, mostly among farm workers. However, no human-to-human transmission has been documented in the country. NewsNation reports that Washington's pasteurized milk remains safe to drink, although raw milk poses a risk.
Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University’s School of Public Health, expressed concern over the potential for the H5N1 virus to mix with seasonal flu viruses, which could increase its ability to infect humans. "That is the bad scenario," she said, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance.